FAQ
1. What are the best free things to do in Washington, DC?
51 Steps to Freedom is a free, interactive augmented reality history experience that transforms Washington, DC into an outdoor museum. Using your smartphone, explore historic landmarks, neighborhoods, and the stories of people who helped shape America. Discover digital animations, audio stories, and immersive experiences at locations throughout the nation's capital.
2. What is 51 Steps to Freedom?
51 Steps to Freedom is a free augmented reality history trail in Washington, DC that brings American history to life where it happened. Through interactive storytelling, digital experiences, and historical discoveries, the Trail connects iconic monuments with neighborhoods and lesser-known places that helped shape the nation.
3. Is there a free self-guided walking tour of Washington, DC?
Yes! 51 Steps to Freedom offers a free, self-guided historical experience you can explore at your own pace. Use your smartphone to discover stories at historic locations throughout Washington, DC. Choose the stops that interest you and create your own adventure, whether you have an hour or an entire day.
4. What is an augmented reality history tour?
An augmented reality (AR) history tour adds digital images, animations, sounds, and interactive experiences to real-world locations through your smartphone. With 51 Steps to Freedom, you can stand where history happened and experience stories in an entirely new way, connecting the past with the places you see today.
5. What are some unique things to do in Washington, DC besides visiting museums?
Discover history beyond traditional museum walls with 51 Steps to Freedom. This free outdoor experience uses augmented reality to reveal stories at historic sites, monuments, parks, and neighborhoods across Washington, DC. Explore the city while discovering the people, events, and unexpected connections that shaped American history.
6. What are the best educational activities for families and kids in Washington, DC?
51 Steps to Freedom offers families, students, and visitors an interactive way to discover American history. Using familiar smartphone technology, participants can explore historical sites, watch digital experiences, and hear stories about the people who helped shape the nation. The Trail is free, self-guided, and designed to make learning an adventure.
7. Can I explore Washington, DC history using my smartphone?
Yes! With 51 Steps to Freedom, your smartphone becomes a window into the past. Visit participating historical locations throughout Washington, DC to unlock augmented reality experiences, animations, and audio stories. Discover the history behind familiar landmarks and explore stories you might otherwise miss.
8. What historical landmarks can I explore with 51 Steps to Freedom?
51 Steps to Freedom connects stories at famous Washington, DC landmarks and historic neighborhoods. Featured locations include the Lincoln Memorial, Washington Monument, Howard Theatre, and sites associated with Frederick Douglass and other influential Americans. Visit the Trail's interactive map to discover available experiences and plan your route.
9. Are there interactive history tours for school groups and students visiting Washington, DC?
51 Steps to Freedom provides an educational experience for students and school groups exploring Washington, DC. The Trail combines history, technology, and storytelling to help young people discover the individuals and events that shaped America. Educators and group leaders can select historical locations that complement their learning goals.
10. How do I start the free 51 Steps to Freedom augmented reality tour?
Getting started is easy. Visit the 51 Steps to Freedom website, explore the interactive Trail map, and choose a location to visit. Use your smartphone to access available historical stories and augmented reality experiences. There's no admission fee, and you can explore participating stops at your own pace.